Zirkzee transfer: Roma’s plan amid high agent fees

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Nov 20, 2025 5:50 AM ET

Joshua Zirkzee is Roma’s top target in attack for January, and the Giallorossi are hopeful to sign the Dutch striker despite high agent fees, reports Corriere dello Sport.

Manchester United striker Zirkzee is Roma’s priority target to strengthen their attack in the winter transfer window.

Zirkzee wants Man United exit

Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United gestures during the warm up prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Anfield on January 05, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Football Italia reported last week that Gian Piero Gasperini had already given the green light to sign the former Bologna striker, who is eager to get more playing time in the second half of the season.

Corriere dello Sport confirms Zirkzee would be glad to work under Gasperini at the Stadio Olimpico, but according to the Rome-based paper, the striker’s agent has quite high demands in terms of commissions.

Corriere dello Sport says Roma hope the agent’s requests won’t complicate a possible deal that the club see as an opportunity.

Roma’s strategy to sign Zirkzee

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 01: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United looks on as he walks out of the tunnel to inspect the pitch prior to during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Manchester United FC at City Ground on April 01, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The Giallorossi know that Manchester United will be reluctant to send the player out on a dry loan deal or on loan with an option to buy.

Therefore, the safest route for the Giallorossi would be to send an offer for a loan deal with an obligation to buy, tied to Champions League qualification.

The Champions League incomes for 2026-27 would then finance Zirkzee’s permanent move next year, provided the Giallorossi qualify for Europe’s elite competition.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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